Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Beau Webster Could Make Test Debut as Cover for Mitch Marsh in Border Gavaskar Trophy

As Australia prepares for the Pink Ball Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy starting December 6, all eyes are on 31-year-old Beau Webster, who could potentially make his Test debut in place of injured Marsh. Marsh, who is nursing a sore body, might miss the Adelaide Oval clash, and the Tasmanian all-rounder has been named as backing.

Webster has been in exceptional form, scoring 938 runs and taking 30 wickets in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield season, earning praise from teammates who liken his all-round abilities to legendary West Indian cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers. Known as a versatile player, Webster initially began his career as an off-spinner before transitioning to pace-bowling all-rounder in 2020.

With an impressive first-class record, Webster has accumulated over 2600 runs and 104 wickets since 2020, placing him among the top players in both categories in the Shield. About his widely appreciated reputation, Webster remarked:

It was pretty special, no doubt. I suppose it’s a little bit embarrassing when you get likened to someone like that. I always get a text from some of the boys around the country if I do well, just the one word: “Garfield”. But it’s some good praise and I’ll take it. I feel like I’ve been playing my best cricket in the last two to three years and to bring it all together last year was great to get us into a Shield final. The main goal is to win one of those.

If selected, Webster would become Australia’s 468th Test cricketer. While his ultimate goal is to earn the prestigious Baggy Green, his consistency and contributions with both bat and ball have certainly made him a contender in the national setup.